A Team of Researchers Created an Artificial Skin from Household Items

A research team from Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) created a "paper skin" that's able to mimic some of the complex sensory functions that human skin can perform.

Amazingly enough, the Saudi Arabian research team was able to assemble the paper skin using only a handful of common household objects like aluminum foil, sticky notes, sponges and napkins. In total, the unit would cost under $2 to assemble. On the topic of cost, Muhammad Mustafa, an electrical engineer KAUST notes: "Its impact is beyond low cost: simplicity. My vision is to make electronics simple to understand and easy to assemble so that ordinary people can participate in innovation."

The technology behind this artificial paper skin has the potential to greatly enhance a number of devices, including wearables, touchscreen devices, prosthetics and robots of the future.